July 15, 2012

It's hard to believe that we have been in New York for three weeks. Being away from our home, our friends, and our life in Reston has been difficult, but we are lucky for everything we have up here. Patients come from all over the world to seek treatment from David's surgeon at Sloan-Kettering. While David was in the hospital I met a man who traveled from Hong Kong; his insurance will not cover any of his treatment in the United States. We are fortunate to have both family and friends in New York that made our temporary displacement comfortable, affordable, and as much as it could be, somewhat enjoyable. Tonight David and I will bunk with Max one last time and tomorrow return home to open pounds of mail and put Max to sleep in his own, real crib.

company for David = presents for Max (7.14.12)

Eyeballing the cookie jar that Grandpa Russ gave his mom in 1958 (7.15.12)

Our household consists of four people- David, my husband, Max, our four year old son, Kira, our one year old daughter and me, Marissa. I initially created this site as an efficient way to share medical information about David and Max. On December 24, 2011 baby Max was born with a cleft lip and palate, and five weeks later, his daddy, David, was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Both boys underwent three surgeries, dozens upon dozens of doctor appointments, and far more needle pokes than a pin cushion. The year 2012 was filled with the overwhelming joys of watching Max grow to the heartbreak of watching David and him in pain. It was truly the best and worst year. But by the end of the year, both father and son received hard-fought clean bills of health. Max will have more surgeries in the future, but for now we are just enjoying his big, beautiful smile and all of the silly antics that go along with it.